Painswich is a small village within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds that’s greatest recognized for its “chocolate field” look with quaint stone cottages and rolling countryside. There are many issues to do in Painswick to maintain guests busy from exploring the village to close by walks, pubs, and museums.
Painswick is only a few miles from the Gloucestershire market city of Stroud the place mates of mine dwell. I’ve explored a lot of this a part of the nation and Painswick is considered one of my favourite small villages because of its beautiful seems to be, close by climbing trails, and abundance of native pubs.
There are additionally loads of locations to go to close to Painswich resembling different Cotswolds cities and villages, historic buildings, nature parks, and extra. One factor’s for certain, when you’re planning on visiting the Cotswolds, don’t miss out on this charming, sleepy village that’s nonetheless very a lot because it was a whole lot of years in the past.
Greatest Issues To Do in Painswick, Cotswolds
Beneath, you’ll discover a wide array of locations to go to in Painswick from sculpted gardens to hidden museums, rustic pubs, and a number of the best nature to be present in England. The village is considered one of my favourite locations within the Cotswolds and with so many issues to see in Painswick, it’s someplace I’ll proceed to discover.
1. Discover the Village
Painswick is called the Queen of the Cotswolds because of its well-preserved honey-colored homes nestled in a number of the most lovely countryside in England. This quintessential, sleepy English village has barely modified in centuries and sees fewer vacationers than extra generally visited locations like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Stroll alongside charming New Avenue which is house to a number of the oldest buildings in England, together with one of many oldest bowling greens within the nation. Pop into one of many pubs or cafes like Handmade in Painswick or The Oak for refreshments after shopping second-hand shops and boutique retailers.
The picturesque village is considered one of my favourite locations to wander by and take within the serene Cotswold environment. If you happen to’re questioning what to do in Painswick, then the very best place to start out is with a stroll across the village. Simply don’t overlook your digicam.
2. Go to the Rococo Backyard
The most effective issues to do in Painswick is to go to the gorgeous Rococo Garden. Rococo is a Baroque-style, decorative backyard that was widespread in England within the 18th and nineteenth Centuries. This is likely one of the high Painswick sights and is a must-visit for anybody coming to the village.
The backyard was designed within the 1740s for the proprietor of the close by Painswick Home and has been delighting guests ever since. The Rococo Backyard is open from 10 am till 5 pm from Wednesday to Sunday ( and open on daily basis throughout college holidays). An grownup ticket prices £11.50 and youngsters £4.90.
This can be a fantastic place to go to regardless of the time of 12 months, however in spring and summer time, the place comes alive with coloration. There are common occasions held right here from child’s workshops to talks, canine reveals, Shakespeare performs, and extra. Check the website to see what’s happening throughout your go to.
Handle: Gloucester Street, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TH. Click here for directions.
3. Cotswold Discovery Path Self-Guided Tour
This self-guided Cotswold Discovery Tour is an effective way to get a really feel for the world at your personal tempo. You’ll be provided with a fold-out map that accommodates a few completely different trails so that you can discover over the course of some days. These maps comprise plenty of helpful info that can assist you get probably the most out of the area.
You’ll even be provided with a collection of clues and questions that can assist you study concerning the historical past of the locations you go by. You possibly can select from a variety of beginning factors together with Painswick, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Stroud, and others.
That is positively one of the vital enjoyable issues to do round Painswick and is one thing somewhat completely different. Click here to book.
4. Take a Journey to the Outdated Ebworth Centre
The Old Ebworth Centre is a base for Nationwide Belief employees who take care of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty This huge rural property contains an previous farmhouse with stone cottages, stables, outbuildings, and mile upon mile of gorgeous countryside views.
There’s a pleasing two to three-hour circular walk by the Gloucestershire countryside (that’s additionally appropriate for canine). If you wish to get on the market and uncover some gorgeous Cotswold surroundings, then this is likely one of the high issues to do close to Painswick, and is a good day trip for the entire household.
Handle: The Camp, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 7ES. Click here for directions.
5. See the Painswick Beacon
The Painswick Beacon marks the location of an iron age hill fort on the sting of the village. Though there’s not a lot to see when it comes to archaeology, the beacon sits at nearly 1,000 ft above sea stage so presents gorgeous panoramic views of the encircling countryside together with the Malvern Hills and Forest of Dean.
There’s a simple 2.25-mile (3.6 km) circular walk that passes by woodland and follows a part of the Cotswold Way. That is considered one of my favourite walks within the space and is an effective way to get out into some beautiful countryside (canine are welcome too).
Handle: Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6SZ. Click here for directions.
6. See St Mary’s Church
The Parish Church of St Mary is likely one of the best examples of medieval structure within the space and there’s been a church on this website since Saxon times round 1,000 years in the past. This lovely church together with its spire that dates again to 1632 might be seen from miles round.
Contained in the church, you possibly can marvel on the biblical scenes depicting every thing from birds and animals to native individuals. Essentially the most spectacular facet of St Mary’s is the gorgeous churchyard with seventeenth and 18th-century tombs and 99 yew bushes (it’s said that if a a hundredth is planted the satan will destroy it).
The church and grounds are free to go to and are open year-round from 9 am till 6 pm on daily basis.
Handle: 3 New Avenue, Gloucestershire, GL6 6XH. Click here for directions.
7. Marvel on the Outdated Shares
One of many extra uncommon issues to see in Painswick is the set of shares that dates again to around 1840. If you happen to fell foul of the legislation in nineteenth Century Painswick you then have been liable to be locked within the shares for the entire village to see (rotten greens value further).
The shares are positioned simply in entrance of St Mary’s Church, which is one other of the must-see sights in Painswick in itself for its good structure and large, yew-lined churchyard. This tranquil area away from the principle highway is unquestionably one of many high sights in Painswick.
Handle: 6 St Mary’s Avenue, Gloucestershire, GL6 6QD. Click here for directions.
8. Go to the Museum of Arts and Crafts
This quirky museum within the coronary heart of Painswick homes the Ashton Beer Assortment (no, not a set of ales sadly, although you will discover that on the pub). The gathering consists of arts, crafts, and furnishings with the centerpiece being a ravishing stained glass window by pre-Raphelita artist, Edward Burne-Jones.
The museum is positioned in an previous church (the Christchurch) and accommodates items from outstanding artists and designers. This is likely one of the greatest free issues to do in Painswick for these all for native historical past and the humanities, however keep in mind that it’s solely open from 2 pm to five:30 pm on Saturdays when planning your go to.
Handle: Christ Church, Gloucestershire, GL6 6QN. Click here for directions.
9. Have a Pint in The Royal Oak
For such a small village there are fortunately fairly just a few respectable pubs to check out, and The Royal Oak must be my favourite because of its rustic attraction and comfy really feel. This can be a correct British pub with an open fireplace, a heat welcome, and a canine (and folks)-friendly environment; it’s an ideal place to chill out after an extended stroll at any time of the 12 months.
The Oak has a wonderful choice of actual ales (craft beers), native ciders, and imported drinks. It presents a mouthwatering menu of tasty treats from venison streaks to caramelized beetroot and onion tarte, in addition to gentle bites, baguettes, and extra for lunch. Popping in for a drink or two is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Painswick at evening.
Handle: St Mary’s Avenue, Gloucestershire, GL6 6QG. Click here for directions.
10. Trench Hill
The gorgeous gardens at Trench Hill, only a few miles from Painswick, comprise a rose backyard, wildflower meadows, vegetable plots, woodland walks, wood sculptures, and a kids’s play space. The gardens are set inside the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and there are many climbing and strolling routes close by together with the Cotswolds Commons and Beechwoods National Nature Reserve.
Trench Hill is a pleasing stroll from the middle of the village and you’ll tie it in with close by sights such because the Painswick Beacon and Outdated Ebworth Centre, rounding off with a pint on the Butchers Arms.
Handle: Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TZ. Click here for directions.
11. Hike the Cotswolds Manner
The extremely scenic Cotswolds Manner is a 102-mile (164 km) climbing path that goes by the guts of the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence (AONB). The route begins within the picturesque village of Chipping Campden and finishes within the historic Roman metropolis of Bath.
The Cotswolds Manner passes proper by Painswick enabling you to get out onto the path for a brief stroll, or for hardcore hikers like myself, try the trek from Painswick to Dursley. This 18-mile (29.31 km) part takes between 8 and 9 hours to finish and passes by a number of the most scenic landscapes within the nation.
To return, you’ll must take the 65 bus to Stroud after which change for the 228 bus. Dursley is a pleasing city effectively value spending just a few hours attending to know and has some glorious pubs together with The New Inn.
12. Barnwood Park and Arboretum
The Barnwood Park and Arboretum is a pleasing parkland with gardens, woodland strolling paths, a wildlife pond, and a choice of lovely previous bushes from large Redwoods to Black Mulberry, Turkey Oak, and Beech. The park as soon as surrounded Barnwood Home which was an previous manor home earlier than being transformed right into a hospital, after which demolished in 2001.
Barnwood is open year-round and is free to enter; it makes an ideal day trip within the lovely Cotswold countryside. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Painswick or you possibly can stroll the 6 miles (9.7 km) when you’re feeling match!
Handle: Church Lane, Barnwood, Gloucestershire, GL4 3JB. Click here for directions.
13. Take a Day Journey to Tub
The historic city of Bath is simply 34 miles (54 km) from Painswick and is the proper selection for a day journey because it takes simply over an hour to get there by automotive. There are many glorious things to do in Bath from exploring the well-preserved Roman baths to being pampered for a spa day or admiring the gorgeous Georgian structure.
The most effective methods to get a really feel for Bath is to take a tour like this enjoyable 90-minute walking tour which incorporates tickets to the Roman baths and takes in a number of the metropolis’s high landmarks resembling Tub Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and the Royal Crescent. Click here to find out more.
It’s round an hour’s drive from Painswick to Tub alongside the A46 or you possibly can take one of many hourly trains from Stroud (through Swindon) which takes simply over an hour. Visiting Tub is unquestionably probably the greatest issues to do close to Painswick when you’re searching for day journey inspiration.
14. Go to the Village of Slad
The village of Slad is considered one of my favourite locations to go to close to Painswick as its the birthplace of considered one of my favourite authors (Laurie Lee) who grew up within the village and is buried within the cemetery of the Holy Trinity Church. Reverse the church is The Woolpack Inn which is a good place for a spot of lunch and panoramic views throughout the valley.
There are many nice walks across the village and the surroundings right here is completely spectacular. Lee wrote about this a part of the Cotswolds in his first e book Cider with Rosie (which you’ll decide up within the Stroud Bookshop) – it’s effectively value a learn. It’s straightforward to get to Slad by taking Bus 228 which matches between Stroud and Painswick through Slad.
15. See the Market City of Stroud
The quaint market city of Stroud is only a few miles from Painswick (I’ve mates that dwell right here so I’m a frequent customer). There’s lots to do from shopping the weekly farmers’ markets to sampling the native beers and ciders on the Stroud Brewery, exploring the picturesque excessive road, and visiting the Museum within the Park.
Exploring this charming city is likely one of the greatest issues to do close to Painswick, and makes for an ideal day journey as there are many fantastic pubs and restaurants within the city. The Clothiers Arms is effectively value a go to and serves up hearty pub fayre for very cheap costs (mains value round £12).
Stroud is simple to succeed in through bus 228 which takes simply 8 minutes. If you wish to get somewhat train whereas taking on this gorgeous a part of the Cotswolds you can walk the three.6 miles (5.8 km ) to Stroud in simply over an hour, and return by bus (good when you fancy just a few pints within the pub).
Fast Journey Itineraries For Painswick
Beneath, you’ll discover a few journey itineraries for sightseeing in Painswick that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to. They embrace all the highest vacationer sights in Painswick and a number of the greatest day journeys from the village.
1 Day in Painswick Itinerary
With simply at some point to spend within the village, go to the charming Rococo Backyard and get misplaced within the maze, go for a woodland stroll, or get pleasure from a cream tea within the cafe. Discover the charming village with its Cotswold stone homes, have a look inside St Mary’s Church, and you should definitely see the previous tombs and yew bushes within the churchyard. Don’t overlook to go to the city shares.
Pop into The Painswick for lunch or afternoon tea earlier than taking a stroll as much as the Painswick Beacon for panoramic views of the Gloucestershire countryside. End off the day in The Oak for a hearty meal of basic pub fayre washed down with just a few pints of native ale or cider.
2-3 Days in Painswick Itinerary
With just a few days to spend within the village, observe the above itinerary in your first day. On subsequent days get out into the countryside which is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Painswick for households and people with canine. There are many choices for walks and hikes from brief ambles across the village to the extra adventurous Cotswold Manner.
Discover extra of the pubs and eating places resembling The Oak, The Falcon Inn, and St Michael’s Bistro. Though small, you actually received’t go hungry or thirsty in Painswick – it’s considered one of my favourite locations to go and eat after I’m in close by Stroud.
1 Week in Painswick Itinerary
With per week in Painswick observe the above itineraries in your first few days and add in day journeys to close by sights and locations of curiosity. Take the bus to the charming village of Slad to see the grave of creator Laurie Lee and have a pint in The Woolpack.
Proceed on to the market city of Stroud and luxuriate in strolling alongside the canal and visiting museums, second-hand retailers, and the wonderful Stroud Brewery for an evening of fine meals, domestically made beers, ciders, and dwell music.
Add in a tour of the Cotswolds to see the picture-perfect villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold.
The place to Keep in Painswick
These are just a few of the very best lodging choices in Painswick for vacationers:
St Michael’s Bistro – Greatest for First-Time Guests
The charming St Michael’s Bistro is a mattress and breakfast, and restaurant, within the coronary heart of the village and is the proper place to remain for first-time guests. Select from a variety of quirky rooms from Rococo to Artwork Deco and Bohemian, every with its personal distinctive design. All rooms include TV and streaming companies, a fridge, and an en-suite rest room. Click here for more info.
Courtroom Home Manor – Greatest for {Couples}
The Court House Manor is a luxurious, five-star mattress and breakfast and is likely one of the greatest locations to remain for {couples} because of its romantic location. The property is about inside a beautiful sixteenth Century nation property on the outskirts of the village. The deluxe rooms include every thing you want for a snug keep together with an en-suite rest room, TV, and kettle. Click here to book.
The Star Inn – Greatest for Households
The wonderful Star Inn is positioned between Painswick and Stroud and has a variety of household suites sleeping as much as 4 individuals. Rooms include a non-public rest room and bathe, flatscreen TV, and complimentary toiletries. There’s an onsite bar and free parking for friends, and the lodging is nice worth for cash. Click here to find out more.
Greatest Eating places in Painswick
Beneath, you’ll discover a number of the greatest locations to eat in and round Painswick:
St Michael’s Bistro: This glorious little restaurant and mattress and breakfast within the coronary heart of the village is the place to come back for a number of the greatest, domestically sourced meals within the space. It’s additionally nice for many who don’t eat meat as there are some nice vegetarian choices on the menu (the goat’s cheese, spinach, and onion parcels are fab). Click here for directions.
The Painswick: If you happen to’re searching for somewhat fantastic eating within the village then head alongside to this cozy restaurant that was awarded Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year 2023. You possibly can pattern every thing from Sunday lunch or a night meal to afternoon tea. The menu options native dishes like Cotswold lamb and venison, plus an in depth vegetarian vary. Click here for directions.
The Falcon Inn: This lovely previous pub inside a Georgian townhouse is made from the trademark, honey-colored Cotswold Stone. It’s one of many high pubs within the village and is a good place to eat. The kitchen serves up pub classics like beer-battered fish and chips in addition to extra unique dishes like aubergine (eggplant) katsu curry and pea and mint ravioli. Click here for directions.
The Royal Oak: The country Royal Oak is a comfy sixteenth Century pub within the coronary heart of the village and is my favourite place for a meal and some drinks. The menu boasts conventional pub dishes from burgers and pies to salads, all-day breakfasts, sandwiches, and extra for very cheap costs. There’s a small patio outdoors for al-fresco eating. Click here for directions.
Karibu Vegan Bar and Kitchen: If you happen to’re searching for somewhat extra selection than the same old pub fayre, then it’s only a five-minute drive into Stroud the place you possibly can feast on vegan-friendly delights on the Karibu Bar and Kitchen. From their scrumptious smoky, crimson pepper goulash to plant-based burgers and Thai curries, that is considered one of my favourite locations to eat. Click here for directions.
Attending to Painswick
The closest worldwide airport to Painswick is Bristol which is an hour’s drive away. You’ll want a automotive as there aren’t any direct transport hyperlinks from the airport to the village.
I often drive to Painswick from London because it’s a simple three-hour drive alongside the M4 and A419. There are additionally a number of hourly trains from London Paddington to close by Stroud and the journey takes round 90 minutes. You possibly can then simply hop on the 288 bus for 10 minutes to Painswick.
Visiting all of the vacationer sights in Painswick might be achieved on foot because it’s a tiny village, nevertheless, to get probably the most out of your journey hiring a automotive is greatest so you possibly can discover extra of the gorgeous Cotswold countryside within the neighborhood.
Issues To Do in Painswick: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Painswick:
Painswick is understood for its 18th Century Rococo Backyard, city shares, and picturesque honey-colored homes. It’s thought of the Queen of the Cotswolds because of the picture-perfect village and countryside views. It’s additionally famed for a number of the best coffee in the Cotswolds.
Spring by to fall is the very best time to go to Painswick if you wish to benefit from the hotter climate for lengthy walks and luxuriate in al-fresco eating and the beer gardens of nation pubs. That being mentioned, the village seems to be beautiful in winter with a blanket of snow, and lots of the native inns have open fires to heat up in entrance of.
Painswick is unquestionably value visiting for its beautiful, Cotswold Stone buildings, picturesque Rococo Backyard, and delightful countryside good for brief walks or longer hikes.
Because it’s a small village, you possibly can see all the highest sights in a few days. If you happen to want to discover the remainder of the Cotswolds, which you actually ought to, then per week is ideal as you possibly can add in some day journeys and lengthier hikes. I often spend round 4 days right here when visiting.
Like most rural villages in England, Painswick is a really safe place for vacationers. Violent crime is sort of extraordinary and the village is safer than inner-city areas. Take the identical precautions you’d touring to wherever unknown; keep watch over valuables and lock doorways.
The preferred factor to do in Painswick is to go to the 18th Century Rococo Backyard. Different widespread locations to see in Painswick embrace the previous shares, St Mary’s Church and grounds, and the Painswick Beacon.
Because the village is positioned within the coronary heart of the agricultural Cotswolds there are many alternatives to attempt native dishes from domestically farmed meats to cheeses, craft beers, and ciders. St Micheal’s Bistro is likely one of the greatest locations to attempt the native fayre.
In Closing
Now what to see in Painswick in addition to a number of the high close by sights. This charming village actually is value your time because it’s one of many best-preserved conventional Cotswold villages that continues to be somewhat underneath the radar (so go now earlier than the key’s out). Discover out for your self why it’s often known as the Queen of the Cotswolds.
Wander across the historic Rococo gardens, stroll up the Painswick Beacon for unimaginable views throughout the valleys of the Cotswolds, and stroll amongst the yew bushes and historic tombs of St Mary’s Church. Pop into one of many many pubs within the village for refreshment, and discover close by locations of curiosity resembling Slad and Stroud.
